Region: Campagna (Campania), Basilicata
Quality Level in EU/Italian Wine Law: Greco di Tufo DOCG
Established: The DOC was established in 1970 and elevated in 2003
Primary Grape Varieties: Greco di Tufo wines are required to be at least 85% varietal wines and are produced in still and sparkling versions. Coda di Volpe is the allowed blending partner.
Pairs with: Chicken, pasta with cream sauce, cheese risotto, salmon, seafood in salad or soup.
Wine Styles: The DOCG produces still white and sparkling wines. The sparkling wines are required to be on lees for at least 36 months and can be only Brut or Extra Brut in residual sugar levels. The wines are produced in Metodo Classico.
Greco di Tufo is the most prestigious area for the Greco grape and associated wines. It is a relatively small appellation in Irpinia but has a large percentage of land under vine. Most of the better vineyards are located near the Sabato river at elevations of 300 to 700 meters above sea level. Some of the slopes can be very steep and require hand harvesting and high levels of vineyard labor. The variety is late ripening and can be susceptible to mildews (e.g., Oidium, Peronospora).
The town of Tufo is named for the unique Tufaceous soils that are the foundation of the town. The town was once very well known for a large deposit of sulfur that was mined well into the last century. Once the mines were closed, viticulture and wine became the new economic focus of the region. While 15% of Coda di Volpe is allowed, most of the wines are 100% Greco and the vast majority are made in stainless steel with no wood contact. 100% Greco wines can be found outside the DOCG in Campania and Puglia but the reputation of this grape is clearly tied to the Tufo area.
The wine will have a high acidity that is vibrant and well integrated. The mouthfeel is textured and expresses minerality and dryness on the finish. There are unique notes of flinty, earthy and grainy notes that border on smoky aromas. These wines can age and will develop well with eventual honeyed aromas and toasted nuts.
The Greco name has been applied to multiple varieties, which are believed to have derived from Greek vines. In this case, ancient Roman texts refer to the Aminea Gemina Minor grape that many researchers believe to be Greco. Other research suggests the variety was brought to Campania by the Greeks in the 8th or 9th century.
Quality Level in EU/Italian Wine Law: Greco di Tufo DOCG
Established: The DOC was established in 1970 and elevated in 2003
Primary Grape Varieties: Greco di Tufo wines are required to be at least 85% varietal wines and are produced in still and sparkling versions. Coda di Volpe is the allowed blending partner.
Pairs with: Chicken, pasta with cream sauce, cheese risotto, salmon, seafood in salad or soup.
Wine Styles: The DOCG produces still white and sparkling wines. The sparkling wines are required to be on lees for at least 36 months and can be only Brut or Extra Brut in residual sugar levels. The wines are produced in Metodo Classico.
Greco di Tufo is the most prestigious area for the Greco grape and associated wines. It is a relatively small appellation in Irpinia but has a large percentage of land under vine. Most of the better vineyards are located near the Sabato river at elevations of 300 to 700 meters above sea level. Some of the slopes can be very steep and require hand harvesting and high levels of vineyard labor. The variety is late ripening and can be susceptible to mildews (e.g., Oidium, Peronospora).
The town of Tufo is named for the unique Tufaceous soils that are the foundation of the town. The town was once very well known for a large deposit of sulfur that was mined well into the last century. Once the mines were closed, viticulture and wine became the new economic focus of the region. While 15% of Coda di Volpe is allowed, most of the wines are 100% Greco and the vast majority are made in stainless steel with no wood contact. 100% Greco wines can be found outside the DOCG in Campania and Puglia but the reputation of this grape is clearly tied to the Tufo area.
The wine will have a high acidity that is vibrant and well integrated. The mouthfeel is textured and expresses minerality and dryness on the finish. There are unique notes of flinty, earthy and grainy notes that border on smoky aromas. These wines can age and will develop well with eventual honeyed aromas and toasted nuts.
The Greco name has been applied to multiple varieties, which are believed to have derived from Greek vines. In this case, ancient Roman texts refer to the Aminea Gemina Minor grape that many researchers believe to be Greco. Other research suggests the variety was brought to Campania by the Greeks in the 8th or 9th century.
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